Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele Responds to Sweater Controversy
The release of Gucci’s $890 turtleneck sweater featuring cut-out red lips covering the mouth set off a firestorm of controversy because of its’ resemblance to black-face, prompting celebrities to call for a boycott. Finally, the designer Alessandro Michele speaks out saying in part, “The fact that, contrary to my intentions, the sweater evoked a racist imagery causes me the greatest grief”. Alessandra says he and Gucci takes full accountability for how this has effected people have committed to put in place a series of actions that will increase inclusivity, diversity, participation and cultural awareness at all levels in the workplace.
Omar Epps to Host 1st Ever Social Impact Showcase At American Black Film Festival
23rd annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is coming up. This year, the festival will launch the first Social Impact Showcase, a program dedicated to raising awareness of films based on cause-related themes, relevant to communities of color. This year’s theme Fatherhood: The Foundation of the Black Family will feature a collection of short films, followed by an engaging conversation with the directors.
The goal of this program is to change the narrative of Black fathers by highlighting their presence, importance and contribution to their families and the Black community overall. The ABFF takes place June 12-16th in Miami.
New Movie About Prince Harry & Meghan Markle
Lifetime is making a movie about the events leading up to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meeting, all the way up to the Royal Wedding. The title will be “Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal.” The movie will reveal the untold joys and challenges of life inside the royal family.
Rapper Mystical Has Been Released From Prision
…after serving18 months for allegedly raping a woman after a concert in Shreveport, Louisiana. Mystikal plead not guilty, in December 2017, to all rape charges including first-degree rape and second-degree kidnapping. Mystikalwas able to pull together $3 million for his bond which came from an advancement for a new record deal and fundraising by by his friends and family, He’s free for now awaiting trial which is set to start in May.
If you are celebrating a birthday, you are in good company:
Prince Jackson – 22
Jerry Springer – 75